Obituaries: March 27, 2013

Wednesday

Mar 27, 2013 at 2:15 PM

Fred Edward “Tucko” Olmstead

Fred Edward “Tucko” Olmstead, age 100, of DeTour Village, Mich. died on Monday, March 25, 2013. He was born March 9, 1913 on Cockburn Island, Manitoulin, Canada to Andrew Aloysius and Mary Alene “Lena” (LaPointe) Olmstead.

Fred’s family moved to DeTour when he was a small child as his father followed the good commercial fishing opportunities in DeTour. After growing up in the DeTour area, Fred married Edna Dolores Pleva on October 24, 1938 in Goetzville, Mich. He served in the U.S. Navy and after his discharge he worked at Drummond Dolomite for many years. Fred was still living independently at home until just a few days before his death.

Fred was an avid Tiger baseball fan. He enjoyed playing poker with friends at Kewadin Casino. Fred had an excellent memory with numbers and he could tell anyone in the area by their car license number. Fred was a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Reamer Galer Funeral Home, 24549 S. M-129 in Pickford, Michigan. Mass of Christian burial will be Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in DeTour Village with Father Janusz Romanek celebrant. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in the spring.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.reamergalerfuneralhome.com.

He was a Korean War Veteran, a life time member of the V.F.W. Post 3676, a very proud member of the V.F.W. Color and Firing Squad for over 40 years and a member of the V.F.W. Cooties. He organized and cooked for numerous V.F.W. fundraisers. He also enjoyed gardening, playing cribbage with his friends and his daily visits from his grand-daughters Jenna and Kaylee. He was also known for his colorful language.

Gerald is preceded in death by wife, Bernie; his parents Mary and Clifford; brothers Merlin, Allie, Richard and Billy; sisters Marilyn and Mary Lou; brother-in-laws Harry and Richard; grandchild Amber and one great-grandchild.

Visitation was held today, at St. Mary’s ProCathedral Church. Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. today at St. Mary’s ProCathedral Church with Father Sebastian Kavumkal as Celebrant. Final Resting Place will be in Oaklawn Chapel Gardens. Memorial contributions made to the family of Gerald Benoit would be appreciated.

Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home and Cremation Center is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.clarkbaileynewhose.com